Teaching School Bus Safety to Your Children

Almost all of the children attending school avail of the service riding the school bus each day. But though there is a regulation with regards to the use of school buses, not everyone knows of the safety standards that every parent should be aware of. Some states may require that school buses install lap belts for the students to use, but some being the operative word, so some may also not have the law which requires such belts. There is even a debate regarding the use of seat belts inside school buses, and it has never ended yet.

Even with the seat belt debate, the school bus service has not yet been put in a bad record. In fact, some of the nation’s best safety records include that from school buses, in regards to deaths per traveled distance.

It is prudent, however, to still remain in constant vigilance with regards to school bus safety, whatever the statistics say. Children are very much valued by families and communities that even one death of a child creates a significant effect not only of the child’s family but also to the entire community. A lot of kids will get injured, or die, if the bus gets in a worse condition. Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, even if security is strict on school buses and the drivers are trained well. The fault may be on nearby irresponsible drivers who ignore laws, making them a serious hazard on children getting on and off the bus.

As parents or guardians, the best thing that you can do to safeguard your kid is to impart to them a simplified version of bus safety guidelines. Children oftentimes look up to the words their parents say, but questions usually creep in, so make sure that your kid understands enough on how to keep safe during bus rides. Below are some important guidelines that you can impart to your child:

· Stand 3-5 feet from the curb while waiting for the school bus to arrive. Do not attempt or even cross the street during boarding until the bus is completely stopped with doors opened.

· Do not distract and aggravate the school driver during the ride. Your bags, lunchboxes, envelopes and other objects should be stowed with you in your seat so as to leave a clear aisle.

· Watch your step as you get off and on the bus. Before crossing your home’s street, wait for the bus drive to give you a signal to cross the street, and watch out for any motorists that may be passing by as you cross.